Little Big Town are preparing to drop a new single, and the band members promise fans it's going to be a step in a different direction. Backstage during 2014 CMA Awards week, Jimi Westbrook recalls hearing 'Girl Crush' for the first time.

"It took our breath," he tells Taste of Country. "We were like, 'Wow, I've never heard that lyric before.' And that's not easy to do these days, because you feel like everything's been done at some point or another. The first time we heard it, we were like, 'Wow, we've got to cut that.'"

The group have hosted 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock' for the past two years, and they admit they've learned from watching Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood host the CMAs for six years straight.

"They've got it down," Karen Fairchild says. "It's incredible, the chemistry between the two of them ... they make it look easy, and it is not easy."

"I think the second time around, we were a little more comfortable, but it's still a lot," Phillip Sweet adds.

"Just imagine -- the third time, we might be good at it!" Kimberly Schlapman chimes in.

The group are nominated for Vocal Group of the Year in the 2014 CMA Awards.

Country Artists Who've Come Out

Listen to Little Big Town's 'Girl Crush'

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